School of Nursing Policies

Thank you for your interest in the Jameson Memorial Hospital School of Nursing. Our website is currently being updated. Please contact Tracy Forletta at 724-656-4052 or forlettatl@upmc.edu for information regarding the new curriculum and program requirements.

Attendance

A student’s attendance record is a reflection of professional accountability. Class attendance is expected on a regular basis, and students are held accountable for the information presented.

Clinical experience, which includes scheduled clinical prep time, clinical laboratory, and community experiences, provides the opportunity for students to demonstrate professional development under the direction and supervision of an experienced Faculty member in order to acquire or improve skills, apply nursing principles, and develop nursing judgment. All course objectives must be met in order to pass the course. Clinical time missed due to labor disputes in unionized affiliating agencies must be made up, and students will be given the opportunity to do so.

Orientation Week is scheduled prior to the start of classes. It is mandatory, and allstudents are required to attend.

Details concerning class/clinical attendance are in the Student Handbook.

Leave of Absence

A Leave of Absence (LOA) for one (1) school year may be granted to an individual who is in good academic standing (a grade of “C” in all required courses and satisfactory clinical performance). The request for an LOA must be made in a letter to the Director of Professional and Allied Health Education. The student seeking a leave of absence must bring the letter to the Director of Professional and Allied Health Education who will determine whether or not the student is eligible for a leave of absence.

A letter of intent to return to classes must be received at least three (3) monthsbefore the course is scheduled to begin. Return to the program will be dependent upon availability of space in the class and payment of all prior financial obligations to the UPMC Jameson School of Nursing. Identical course offerings are not guaranteed, and the time needed to complete the program will be lengthened. If a student is unable to attend class and/or clinical because of a medical disability and cannot continue to meet course objectives without it being detrimental to his/her health, the student must request a medical leave of absence.

Military Leave – JUPMC Jameson School of Nursing is in compliance with Federal and State military and veteran’s status. The student will receive an “M” or “Military” on their transcript for all classes they are unable to complete due to the military leave.

Withdrawal

A student may withdraw from the nursing program at any time. Withdrawal interferes with scholastic progress, affects placement status, and may affect financial aid. The student planning to withdraw must submit a letter and a Jameson Nursing Program Withdrawal Form to the Director of Professional and Allied Health Education stating the reason for withdrawal and the effective date. Details concerning the Withdrawal Policy are in the Student Handbook.

A student failing to withdraw according to policy will receive a grade of “F” for the course.

Details concerning the Leave of Absence and the Withdrawal policies are in the Student Handbook.

Readmission

Individuals must meet the established criteria for readmission. Details regarding the Readmission policy and procedures are in the Student Handbook.

The student seeking readmission must submit a readmission application and a $25.00 fee at least three months prior to the beginning of classes; however, a student who has an outstanding financial obligation to the School will not be considered for readmission until all financial obligations have been cleared.

A student may be readmitted only once, and class space must be available. Challenge examinations and/or auditing of classes may be required on an individual basis. Readmission is not guaranteed. Students who have been dismissed for unprofessional conduct or unsafe clinical performance will not be considered for readmission.

If a student is readmitted and repeats a nursing course, only the new grade will be calculated into the QPA.

Students on a Leave of Absence or seeking readmission have a maximum of 150% of the normal program length (3 years) from the time they first entered in which to complete the program. After that time, they are no longer eligible for readmission but may apply for regular admission.

Student Records and Release of Information

As a result of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, students’ records will be opened to review as detailed in the Student Handbook. All requests for release of information must be in writing.

Nursing Student CPR Policy

All nursing students must satisfactorily complete a certified cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) course prior to starting clinical nursing activities. Basic Life Support (BLS) for Health Care Providers from the American Heart Association must include adult: 1 and 2 man, infant: 1 and 2 man, child, obstructed airway, and AED (Automated External Defibrillator). The student must maintain current certification in accordance with Hospital policy. Certification must be valid through the date of graduation. Only students with current CPR Certification are permitted to work in the clinical area. The American Red Cross CPR designation is not recognized by the Jameson Memorial Hospital and the School of Nursing.

Policy on Drug-Free Workplace

UPMC Jameson School of Nursing will provide a drug-free workplace in accordance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988. Students will be made aware of the effects of drug use and the Hospital policies regarding the unlawful possession of controlled substances or when performing duties in the role of a student nurse. Guidelines include:

General information concerning substance abuse, related legal implications, and the School of Nursing Policies will be included during orientation to the school. In addition to published information displayed within the facility, the School, in accordance with the hospital, will provide periodic educational programs dealing with alcohol and drug use, prevention, and treatment.

Students are to report for clinical experience and class on time and in appropriate mental and physical condition.

The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance on Hospital property or while participating in a school related activity off Hospital premises are absolutely prohibited.

Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from the program. Students involved in violations of this policy also may be subject to legal consequences.

Students with drug dependency or substance abuse problems are encouraged to seek help in dealing with such conditions through the Student Health Service where appropriate referrals can be made and where health insurance plans can provide assistance with treatment options as appropriate. Students who voluntarily seek assistance will not jeopardize their positions in seeking such help. Clinical performance problems and other violations of School policy will continue to be noted and may subject the student to the disciplinary process. However, this does not include voluntarily seeking assistance after notification for a drug screen. If the student is found to have a positive drug screen, the student is subject to the disciplinary action of dismissal from the nursing program. If the student is found to have a negative drug screen, the student will be required to adhere to disciplinary requirements as a condition of maintaining enrollment in the School of Nursing.

Students returning from substance abuse programs must submit to random drug testing.

As a further condition of continuing enrollment, students must abide by the terms of this policy and also must report to the Director of Professional and Allied Health Education any conviction under a criminal drug statute for violations occurring on or off Hospital premises.

The Hospital is required to take appropriate action against any student convicted of criminal drug offense and is required to impose sanctions, which can range from dismissal from the program to a requirement of satisfactory participation in a drug/alcohol abuse assistance or rehabilitation program as a condition of readmission to the education program.

Any student receiving Financial Aid will acknowledge in writing his/her understanding of the imminent loss of financial aid when arrested or convicted of a drug-related offense

Information and referral services are also made available for treatment of alcohol and drug-related situations. These services are administered by the Hospital’s Employee Assistance Program. Those needing treatment for substance abuse are referred to local and regional agencies.